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Sacro Cuore, Rome, 4 January 2018 -- After two previous encounters with almost 30 confreres of the ITM viceprovince in the Philippines and in Portugal last year, the ITM extraordinary visitor met on January 4 another six Timorese and Indonesian confreres resident in Rome. Most of the time was spent in personal talk and group encounter, in order to help the visitor understand the complex social, youth and Salesian reality of Indonesia and Timor Leste.

All ITM students in Rome attend the UPS (Pontifical Salesian University) with the following specializations - Philosophy, Social communication, Youth Spirituality and Youth Ministry. One confrere is entrusted at present with the ministry of English guide at the Catacombs of Saint Callisto in Rome.

During the rich mutual sharing and dialogue were tackled many vital themes for the future of Salesian Charism in both countries - especially related to the deeper rooting of Salesian Charism in both countries: solid formation that helps to strengthen our vocation, formation of leadership (rectors, sector delegates, council members), self-sustainable economy with province-wide solidarity and more effective intra-provincial network of communication.

In view of the consultation for the possible establishment of the Indonesia Vice-province the visitor collected many important elements to consider during this process. In this dialogue emerged some important points of mutual interest among the Salesians of this two countries - continue the exchange of formators and other resource person, exchange of practical trainees and clear path of economic solidarity.

This encounter was also a good opportunity for lunch with the community of St. Joseph at Sacro Cuore, joined also by Simon, one former German missionary volunteer in Fatumaca (Timor Leste) who speaks fluent Tetum and greet the confreres of the General House community and General Council.